Banking News

The prospect of record low savings rates continuing is forcing many savers to review how they allocate their capital in an attempt to achieve the level of returns they have previously enjoyed. Investing in the stock market inevitably involves putting your capital at risk however there is a middle ground which continues to attract increasing interest – the structured deposit. With this in mind, we take a deeper look at this savings alternative to help understand why more and more savers are starting to see their appeal. more

With the current economic environment asking savers far more questions than it gives answers, it is good to know that there are alternatives available. We take a look at one such alternative that is proving particularly popular as savers face the harsh reality that the more traditional fixed rate savings products are failing to meet their needs. more

Millions of savers are facing the harsh realisty that there is little hope of change to interest and savings rates in the coming years. However, those with Cash ISAs do have one further option to consider – the ISA transfer. We take a closer look at why this is becoming a rising trend as well as what this could mean for those looking for the potential to improve the returns from their capital. more

With so many savers joining income investors in the hunt for high yields, being able to quickly understand and compare the numerous options available has become even more important. We therefore compare two of our most popular income investments to help understand what is driving their popularity and why they might meet your income needs. more

Citizens Advice: Three-quarters of parents struggle with 'difficult' school costs

30 August 2007

For every four parents enrolling a child at school this year, three will struggle with costs, it has been claimed.

Research from national charity Citizens Advice has found that the cost of school trips, books and photographs can prove too much for some after surveying over 1,000 people in June and July 2007.

Some 59 per cent of parents expected to pay more for uniforms this term, while around 40 per cent stated that there was no financial advice made available to them, which may lead to some having no choice but to pay with credit cards or loans.

David Harker, chief executive for the organisation, commented that education may seem to be anything but free for some.

"The government should take stronger action against schools to make uniform policies more realistic and affordable and should monitor schools to make sure they stick to the guidelines," he said.

Last week saw the national publication of GCSE results, with the Sutton Trust commenting that boys are less likely than girls to go into higher education.